The INFNIA Suite

Behind The INFINIA Dream

Temperature's dipping right here in the heart of Seoul. No complains though, for we enjoyed every minute of it. Today we head down to LG's R&D Campus, located at a quiet and suburban area known as Pyongtaek. While the Design Centre at Soecho does a good bulk of R&D design work for LG's fleet of upcoming consumer products, the campus here at Pyongtaek focuses more on the development of their systems engineering and the chaebol's fleet of home AV equipment. It's been a fruitful trip, since we've managed to gain precious insight into LG's LED and 3D technology driving their INFINIA range. Without further ado, allow us to show you what you can expect from LG in the very near future.

Expectedly, the entire fleet of the INFINIA series is here on display at LG's swanky showroom. Leading the pack is the LX9500 3D-capable model (for the Singapore market), alternatively known as LE9500 here in Korea since the latter doesn't tout any 3D functions. Dressed in the now familiar "Borderless" design, the LE9500 boasts of an almost non-existent gap between its topmost glass layer and inner bezel. This ultra-slim flagship model is powered by LG's LED Integrated Optical Plate (IOP) technology with Spot Control local dimming. Don't fret if you haven't a clue what that means. We'll elaborate more when we discuss LG's LED backlights later. With a staggering 10,000,000 to 1 dynamic contrast ratio, TruMotion 400Hz panel and an improved Picture Wizard display tuner, this svelte and sensuous display is undoubtedly going to hurt its rivals in the LED arena. Following closely behind is the LE8500 LED-backlight model, designed for "stylish design seekers" if we may quote LG. It offers the same Spot Control dimming feature, and comes with similar goodies such as DivX HD playback support, DLNA and Netcast TV. Difference is, the LE8500 has a marginally lower contrast ratio of 9,000,000 to 1 and 200Hz refresh rate.

Of course, LG’s new range isn’t all about LED-backlit TVs. The Koreans are also planning to reinforce their CCFL-backlit LCD and Plasma iterations with their imminent launch. A few examples are the 200Hz LD650 model (LD for CCFL backlit based), and PK950 (Plasma) set incorporated with Netcast broadband TV features and a TruBlack filter to enhance its black levels. Given what we’ve witnessed here, it is apparent LG has ambitious plans for the home entertainment space for 2010. Singapore need not have to wait long, for LG’s comprehensive TV range is expected to reach us before June comes around. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at LG’s LED technology behind their INFINIA babies.